Course modalities offered

Birkbeck, University of London
Cultural and Critical Studies MA
Birkbeck, University of London

Course modalities offered
  • On campus - Main Site
  • Sep 1, 2022 Part-time - 2 years
  • On campus - Main Site
  • Sep 1, 2022 Full-time - 1 years

Key Course Facts

Course Description

Our MA Cultural and Critical Studies explores critical and cultural debates across disciplines in the arts and humanities, offering you the chance to examine work in a diversity of media, including print culture, painting, film, new media and popular culture. It combines a thorough exposure to contemporary critical methods and debates with a diverse range of advanced study options.

In consultation with tutors, you will be able to build a dynamic programme of study that allows you to follow themes and issues across different disciplines, and develop your interests accordingly.

Highlights

  • In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), English Language and Literature at Birkbeck achieved 100% for a research environment conducive to producing research of the highest quality, while 91% of eligible staff submitted research, of which 75% was recognised as world-leading or internationally excellent.

  • Birkbeck is located in the heart of literary London, in Bloomsbury, WC1. You could be studying in a building that was once home to Virginia Woolf and frequented by members of the Bloomsbury Group, now home to our School of Arts. The building houses our own creative hub which includes the Peltz Gallery, the Gordon Square Cinema and a theatre and performance space.

  • The School of Arts offers a number of bursaries for postgraduate students.

  • The School of Arts is an official partner of the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in London. Opportunities for students have included a year’s free membership of the ICA, private views, discounts on all talks and events, free members' screenings and £3 cinema tickets on Tuesdays, up to 25% off ICA Artists' Editions and a monthly e-newsletter.

A critical bibliography, essays and a dissertation of 15,000 words.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • Mphil / PhD

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this programme is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 7.0, with not less than 6.5 in eac
Do you not fulfill the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements?
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still be able to join Cultural and Critical Studies, MA.

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in a relevant subject: English, history, philosophy, visual culture, media studies, or an interdisciplinary degree with a strong humanities or arts component. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits, and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

Costs

Tuition Fees Cultural and Critical Studies MA

England UK £9030 year 1
Northern Ireland £9030 year 1
Scotland £9030 year 1
Wales £9030 year 1
International £16380 year 1

Additional fee information

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their programme. Tuition fees for students continuing on their programme in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Source: UCAS Oct 15, 2021

Average student cost of living in London

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

Source: Own research based on surveys and university data

University Rankings

Positions of Birkbeck, University of London in top UK and global rankings.

chart data

See all university rankings of Birkbeck, University of London

What students say about studying Cultural Studies in the UK?

  • M.A. in Literary and Cultural Studies (MALCS), HKU - View from teachers, students and alumni
  • Cultural Studies
  • PG Spotlight: Student perspective on media and cultural studies
  • A day in the life of a social and cultural studies student
  • Cultural Studies Theory Student Example

About Birkbeck, University of London

Birkbeck, University of London (BBK) was established in 1823, and takes a different stance towards admissions than many other universities. Applicants are encouraged by BKK to apply even if they don’t possess the traditional qualifications normally required, as applications here are also considered based on an assessment of your knowledge on the subject, and any work experience you might have. Being located in the very centre of London, students will have all the advantages of the city’s public transport connections, as well as the chance to live in such a diverse and vibrant city with all that it offers.

  • Stella’s Starting Study Vlog
  • “How has the Birkbeck experience been for you?”
  • Birkbeck's Student Experience
  • Studying for a PhD at Birkbeck - Veronika Akhmadieva
  • Top reasons why students choose Birkbeck, University of London

Where is this programme taught

Main Site - Malet Street
map marker Show on map

Similar courses

Program University Student satis­faction Unem­ployed Drop­out Tuition (UK) Tuition (Inter­national) UCAS Tariff City
The University of Edinburgh 81% 0% 15% £9250 £23100 193 Edinburgh On campus Full-time
University of Westminster 81% 0% 15% £3750 £7000 193 London On campus Part-time
SOAS, University of London 81% 0% 15% £11980 £23400 193 London On campus Full-time
The University of Edinburgh 74% 0% 0% £9250 £23100 197 Edinburgh On campus Full-time
The University of Edinburgh 87% 5% 5% £9250 £23100 179 Edinburgh On campus Full-time
The University of Edinburgh 85% 0% 5% £9250 £23100 154 Edinburgh On campus Full-time
The University of Edinburgh 72% 0% 4% £9250 £23100 178 Edinburgh On campus Full-time
The University of Edinburgh 69% 0% 5% £9250 £23100 177 Edinburgh On campus Full-time
Kingston University 69% 0% 5% £9250 £9250 177 Kingston upon Thames On campus Full-time
Liverpool John Moores University 88% 0% 0% £9250 £15600 148 Liverpool On campus Full-time